A Case Study of a Learner's Transition from Mainstream Schooling to a School for Learners with Special Education Needs: Lessons for Mainstream Education

This case study considered the experiences of a learner with special educational needs who transited from a mainstream school environment to one that catered for special educational needs. Inclusive education and ecological systems were the theoretical underpinnings of this study. The findings revealed that the learner benefited from placement within the special school environment on a personal, social and academic level. The writers use the findings to indicate how mainstream schools could learn lessons from the special school environment to make inclusive education a reality in South African schools at the regulatory, infrastructural and instructional functional levels.

Prof. Jace Pillay

Vice-Dean, Faculty of Education, University of JohannesburgJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Currently Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. I am a Professor in Educational Psychology. I teach community psychology and engage in several research projects, such as HIV/AIDS and child-headed families, community educational psychology, anti-bias issues and the ecology of practice of life orientation teachers and school counsellors.I have great interest in matters related to human values, democracy, peace, education and psychology.

Marisa Di Terlizzi

PHD Student, Department of Educational Psychology, University of JohannesburgJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Marisa is currently studying for a PHD in Educational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg. She is a registered educational psychologist and is employed at a private school in Gauteng